The Supreme Court of India has declined to make menstrual leave mandatory, citing concerns about its potential impact on women in the job market.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed reservations about introducing such a law, saying it could create long-term problems for women.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by lawyer Shailendra Mani Tripathi, who sought a uniform policy on menstrual leave across the country.
While some states like Odisha and Karnataka have already introduced policies allowing menstrual leave, the court suggested that the government should come up with a policy framework instead of the court mandating it.
The bench also noted that the petitioner had approached the court on two previous occasions, and it was not necessary for him to do so again.
Disposing of the petition, the court said it had no doubt that the competent authority would consider its previous orders on framing a model policy for menstrual leave.
